The Yahooism Phenomenon in Nigeria: Tracing Its Historical Development, Social Media Propagation, and Consequences for Culture, Economy, and Nigeria's External Relations

The Yahooism phenomenon has grown to become a pervasive threat to Nigeria's economic security, social cohesion, and international relations. This study traces the historical evolution of the term Yahooism in Nigeria, examining its evolution from a mare e-mail service to a traditional advance-fee fraud up to sophisticated online scams. It also investigates the role of social media in propagating cyber fraud, highlighting the ways in which platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have enabled fraudsters to reach a wider audience and launder their illicit gains. The study further explores the far-reaching consequences of cyber fraud for Nigerian culture, economy, and external relations, including damage to the country's reputation, loss of foreign investment, and strained diplomatic relations. Drawing on a range of sources, including archival research, interviews, and online data, this study offers a nuanced understanding of cyber fraud in Nigeria and its implications for the country's development and global engagement.